FIG. 2.

Interaction of A. fumigatus with respiratory epithelia. Following inhalation, A. fumigatus encounters airway epithelia (lining trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles), the mucus and fluid lining the upper respiratory tract, and, ultimately, the alveolar space. Fungal products (shown in red) may enhance colonization through tissue injury (cross-haired line) and attachment to epithelial cells or damaged basement membrane. Conidia may also germinate and invade the surrounding lung tissue via the basement membrane or following ingestion by epithelial cells.